St. Louis — In celebration of Veterans Day, A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry students and staff, along with St. Louis Dental Center dentists, provided care to veterans in Southeastern Missouri.

In all, volunteers — including dental students and dentists who are also military veterans — provided health care services to 24 patients, including 15 veterans, at Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic at Lighthouse Church in Dexter, Missouri.

"Many of the veterans had travelled hours to receive care and had multiple teeth that needed attention," said Mike Love, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a third-year dental student at A.T. Still. "Although there was not time to exchange military service stories, all were proud to share their branch of service and career field. I think it meant a lot to the service men and women that they were being cared for by a fellow vet.

The team helped veterans who were in acute or chronic pain and have challenges accessing dental care because of a lack of professional dental services in the area or for financial reasons.

"We are so fortunate to have veterans on our team who care deeply about the needs of fellow veterans who are less fortunate," said Dr. Dwight McLeod, dean of ATSU dental school. "It is simply impossible to function effectively if you are in pain, and poor oral health affects overall health and well-being. Community outreach is one of our core values, and we value the opportunity to improve lives."